MC6+-+Urban+Ecology

= MARSH CREEK SITE 6 = = URBAN ECOLOGY =

__Visual and Biological Factors__
The observed wildlife at the Marsh Creek study area consisted of waterfowl, fish, and insects. There were a fair amount amount fish in this portion of Marsh Creek, ranging from small to medium sized fish. There was a fallen tree in the stream and virtually no other type of vegetation in the stream bed. Despite the variety and relatively large amount of trees, about 70% of the water was totally exposed to direct sunlight; this is most likely because the width of the stream is large.

__Tree Assessment__
Group 6 conducted an urban ecology study of site 6 on Marsh Creek. In doing so, we conducted a study by a tree risk assessment by using the USDA Community Tree Evaluation Form. At our site we did a risk assessment on 10 separate trees. Tree numbers 1-5 are on the left bank and tree numbers 6-10 are on the right bank. The following chart will show the trees and the risks that we calculated:

__Results__
This chart shows all trees 10 trees we selected for this risk assessment along with the defect codes. This risk assessment notes that site 6 has a higher number of the Yellow Poplar Trees (LITU) at this location with a number of 4 out of the 10. The next highest is the American Hornbeam (CACA) with a number of 3 out of the 10. Over all the trees were in decent shape with not much risk involved besides tree 6, the dead tree. The trees at this site have a relatively low level of risk because of their geographical location away from any urban growth. The River Birch (BENI) had the highest level of risk, besides the dead tree, because of its location on the edge of the bank with exposed roots and has with the greatest lean. It has a greater probability of falling into the creek and causing a blockage to the flow of the water.

Sample Tree Photos

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